Name of the Project
Metropolitan International Airport.

Location
The airport will be located in Alajuela, Orotina, Costa Rica.

Client
Costa Rica Ministry of Public Works and Transport (MOPT).

Project Description
The airport will replace the country’s Juan Santamaria International Airport, in San José, which will be unable to meet passenger demand beyond 2026.

The new airport will span 1 500 ha, representing almost eight times the area of Juan Santamaria International Airport, and will be able to support the forecast demand of 7.8-million passengers during its first year of operation, increasing to 20-million in 2047 and 50-million thereafter.

The new airport will have the capacity to operate at least 38 flights an hour – 21 departures and 17 arrivals.

To support additional passenger numbers, the masterplan recommends the expansion of Route 27, a key link between San José and Puntarenas; the construction of a new highway in Alajuela, connecting Pozon de Orotina and San Ramón; and a new train route between Orotina and San José.

Potential Job Creation
Not stated.

Value
The masterplan for the airport estimates a cost of $3.5-billion. The project will be financed through a public–private alliance, as government does not have the required resources to build it.

Duration
Construction on the airport is expected to start in 2018, with operations expected to begin in 2027.

Latest Developments
Mott MacDonald delivered the airport masterplan in July.

Key Contracts and Suppliers
Mott MacDonald (masterplan).

On Budget and on Time?
Too early to state.

Contact Details for Project Information
MOPT, email info@mopt.go.cr.